Tenses Summary

SUMMARY OF TENSES

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We use tenses of verbs to refer to actions or situations in the present, in the past and in the future

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There are different sorts of tenses:

simple tenses

continuous tenses

perfect tenses

perfect continuous tenses

pre

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present tenses

present simple

present continuous

present perfect

present perfect continuous

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


FORM

The present simple is formed with the infinitive of the main verb. The negative and interrogative are formed with the present tense of the verb to do + infinitive.

Examples

I start ( he starts) work at 8.30 a.m.

When do I start work?

I don’t start work until 9.00 a..m. / He doesn’t start work until 9.00 a..m.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


USE

1. for habitual and repeated actions

Example

I play blues harp and dobro guitar

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


USE

1.1. for habitual and repeated actionsfor habitual and repeated actions

2. with adverbs (or expressions) of frequency

( often – usually – sometimes -seldom – rarely – always – occasionally – never – twice a week - on Tuesdays – most of the time ....)

Example

He often arrives late

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


USE


2.2. with adverbs (or expressions) of frequencywith adverbs (or expressions) of frequency

3. Certain verbs are usually only used in the simple form

verbs of the senses

see- hear- smell – notice – recognize

verbs of emotions want – desire – refuse – forgive – wish – care – love – hate – like – dislike

verbs of thinking think – feel – realize – understand – know – mean – suppose – believe – expect – remember – forget

ExampleDo you see what I mean?

She likes my brother very much.I suppose he realizes that now.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


USE


2.2. with adverbs (or expressions) of frequencywith adverbs (or expressions) of frequency

3.3. Certain verbs are usually only used in the simple formCertain verbs are usually only used in the simple form

4. for something that is permanently true

ExampleWater boils at 100° C.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


on the time diagram

nowpast future

I get up at 7.30 a.m. every day.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


FORM

This tense is formed with the present tense of the verb to be + present participle of the main verb.

Examples

I’m watching television.

What are you doing?

He isn’t coming.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


USE

1. For actions happening at the moment of speaking.

Example

She’s reading the newspaper.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


USE

1.1. For actions happening at the moment of For actions happening at the moment of speaking.speaking.

2. For a temporary state.

Example

The company is reorganizing its services.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


USE


2.2. For a temporary state.For a temporary state.

3. For a definite arrangement in the near future. Example

They’re signing the contract tomorrow.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


USE


2.2. For a temporary state.For a temporary state.

3.3. For a definite arrangement in the near future.For a definite arrangement in the near future.

verbs of senses see – hear – smell – notice - recognize

verbs of emotion want – desire – refuse – forgive – wish – care – love – hate – like - dislike

verbs of thinking think – feel – realize – understand – know – mean – suppose – believe – expect – remember - forget

verbs of possessing own – owe – belong - possess

some other verbs seem – appear (seem) – contain – consist – keep (continue) - matter

Some verbs are not usually used in a continuous form

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


on the time diagram

now

I’m adjusting the rotating speed

past future

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


FORM

This tense is formed with the present tense of the verb to have + past participle of the main verb.

Examples

I’ve finished.

Where have you been?

I haven’t talked to him.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


USE

1. Actions in the recent past with ‘just, recently, already, at last, lately’

Example

He has just immersed the temperature probe into the molten steel.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


USE

1.1. Actions in the recent past with Actions in the recent past with ‘just, recently, ‘just, recently, already, at last, lately’already, at last, lately’

2. General experience with ‘ever – never – before – so far’

Example

This is the highest carbon ratio I’ve ever seen.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


USE


2.2. General experience with ‘ever – never – before – General experience with ‘ever – never – before – so far’so far’

3. The indefinite past: we are interested in what happened, not in when it happened.

Example

I have seen the report. (I know what it is about.)

He has sold the company.

They have had lunch.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


USE


2.2. General experience withGeneral experience with ‘ever – never – before – ‘ever – never – before – so far’so far’

3.3. The indefinite pastThe indefinite past: we are interested in what : we are interested in what happened, not in when it happened.happened, not in when it happened.

4. Actions starting in the past and continuing to the present, with ‘for’ or ‘since”. Example

The operation has been suspended for two months.

The firm has had a Belgian branch since October last year.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


on the time diagram

nowpast

future

I ‘ve just arrived.

relationship with the

present moment

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


on the time diagram

nowpast

future

Have you been to France?

? ? ?

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


on the time diagram

nowpast

future

They have revised their report.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


on the time diagram

nowpast

future

We have conducted experiments on this phenomenon for almost two years.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


FORM

This tense is formed with the present perfect of the verb to be + present participle of the main verb.

Examples

I ‘ve been writing code for our new data-mining program.

Has she been trying to contact me?

She hasn’t been writing at all.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


USE

We use this tense for actions started in the past, continuing to the present and probably continuing into the future. We often use it with “for” or “since”.

Examples

I’ ve been trying to persuade him for ten years now.

We ‘ve been practicing this routine since last Wednesday.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


on the time diagram

now

2004

past future

I ‘ve been driving driving lorries for twenty years.....

1984

In this sentence, the duration is emphasized, either positively or negatively.

So I know what I’m talking about!

So it’s high time I quit.

present simple

present continuous

present perfect


on the time diagram

now

2004

past future

I ‘ve driven a Volkswagen for twenty years.....

1984

In this sentence, the duration is indicated, but the car brand is emphasized.

Clearly I have confidence in this car.

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past tenses

past simple

past continuous

past perfect

past perfect continuous

past simple past continuous

past perfect past perfect continuous

FORM

This tense is formed by adding -ed to the infinitive. The negative and interrogative are formed with the past tense of the verb to do + infinitive of the main verb

Examples

They arrived at head quarters an hour ago.

When did he finalize this deal?

I didn’t finish until 12 o’clock.



USE

1. For actions completed at a definite time in the past.

Example

We signed the contract last Friday at 2 o’clock.



USE

1.1. For actions completed at a definite time in the For actions completed at a definite time in the past.past.

2. For actions which are already completed in the past: the time is understood but not stated.

Example

Did you arrive in time?



USE

1.1. For actions completed at a definite time in the For actions completed at a definite time in the past.past.

2.2. For actions which are already completed in the For actions which are already completed in the past: the time is understood but not stated.past: the time is understood but not stated.

3. The ‘unreal past tense’ is used after the verb ‘to wish’ and after words and phrases such as ‘if only; it’s time; suppose’ etc. The simple past tense implies that the speaker knows that the wish or the idea is impossible. Note that the wish refers to the present time. Examples

If I only knew his name.I wish I were at home now.If I were in his shoes, I would fix his wagon without much scruples.It’s time I went home.



on the time diagram

nowpast future

I arrived at 15.30 sharp.

15.30



FORM

This tense is formed with the past tense of the verb to be + present participle of the main verb.

Examples

I was watching TV at 8 o’clock yesterday.

Where were you looking for my glasses this time?

I wasn’t eavesdropping at all!



USE

1. To emphasize the continuity of the past action.

Examples

She was playing tennis with a friend.

He was discussing production planning for the coming week.



USE

1.1. To emphasize the To emphasize the continuity of the pastcontinuity of the past action.

2. To describe an action in progress at a certain time in the past.

Examples

At 6 p.m. I was still sleeping.

At a quarter past nine I was having breakfast.

Prices were going up all the time.



USE

1.1. To emphasize the To emphasize the continuity of the past action.continuity of the past action.

2.2. To describe an To describe an action in progress at a certain time action in progress at a certain time in the pastin the past.

3. To describe an interrupted past action.

Examples

When he arrived, I was studying the quarterly reports.



USE

1.1. To emphasize the To emphasize the continuity of the past action.continuity of the past action.

2.2. To describe an To describe an action in progress at a certain time action in progress at a certain time in the past.in the past.

3.3. To describe an interrupted past actionTo describe an interrupted past action.

4. To express repeated past actions which caused irritation, annoyance. ( with always, forever)

Examples

He was always trying to influence the personnel director.

She was forever paring her nails during meetings.



on the time diagram

nowpast future

I was working all day yesterday.



on the time diagram

nowpast futureI was working all day yesterday.

past now future

I worked all day yesterday.

yesterday



on the time diagram

nowpast future1. I was working all day yesterday.

past now future2. I worked all day yesterday.

yesterday

While (1) emphasizes the continuity of the action, (2) only indicates that the action took place yesterday.



on the time diagram

nowpast future

I was watching TV at 8.30 last night.

8.30 p.m.



on the time diagram

nowpast future

3. I was watching TV at 8.30 last night.

8.30 p.m.

8.30 p.m.

now future

past

4. I watched TV at 8.30 last night.

Whereas 3. indicates that the action started before and continued after a certain point in time, 4. indicates that the action happened (started) at 8.30



on the time diagram

nowpast future

I was browsing through your report ...

when he knocked at my office door.



FORM

This tense is formed with the past tense of the verb to have + past participle of the main verb.

Examples

I had never seen so many measuring tools.

What assistance had he given?

He hadn’t expected this outcome.



USE

1. We use this tense to describe one past action happening before another past action.

Example

The customer had left the shop by the time I found his order form.



USE

1.1. WWe use this tense to describe e use this tense to describe one past action one past action happening before another past action. happening before another past action.

2. We use it when necessary to indicate the sequence of two actions.

Example

He had already cleared the screen when I got behind his desk.



USE

1.1. WWe use this tense to describe e use this tense to describe one past action one past action happening before another past action. happening before another past action.

2.2. We use it when necessary to indicate the We use it when necessary to indicate the sequence of two actions. sequence of two actions.

3. We often us it when the second action is understood, but not stated.

Example

I hadn’t realized! (until you told me.)



on the time diagram

nowpast futurehaddinner

watched TV

1. When I had had dinner, I watched TV.

haddinner

watched TVpast now future

2. I had dinner before I watched TV.

In (1) the sequence of actions is expressed by the past perfect tense; whereas in (2) the sequence of actions is indicated by the use of before



FORM

This tense is formed with the past perfect tense of the verb to be + present participle of the main verb.

Examples

She had been working as a secretary for two years when she was promoted.

What had she been writing all day?

He hadn’t been listening to that tape for that long.



USE

1. We use this tense to describe a continuous past action happening before another past action. We often use it with for + time period.

Example

We had been waiting for thirty minutes when they arrived.



USE

1.1. We use this tense We use this tense to describe a continuous past to describe a continuous past action happening before another past action. action happening before another past action. We often use it with We often use it with forfor + time + time period.period.

2. We use this tense to emphasize the continuity or duration of the past action.Example

I had been waiting for my exam results for six weeks. (before I got them.)



on the time diagram

nowpast future10 minutes

1. I had been waiting for 10 minutes when she arrived.

nowpast

2. I waited for 10 minutes before she arrived.

Whereas in (1) the past perfect continuous indicates both the sequence of the actions and the continuity of the first action; in (2) the sequence of the actions is indicated by before. (1.) emphasizes the duration.

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future tenses

future simple

future continuous

future perfect

future perfect continuous

going to

present continuous

present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


USE

We use this tense to express a pure future. Actions expressed in the simple future are bound to happen because of the course of time. This means that the speaker has no power over the events, that he cannot control what will happen. For this reason this tense is also called the uncertain future..

Examples

He will be sixteen years old next Friday.

The baby will be born next month

going to ... present continuous

present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


USE

1. We often use this tense with particular verbs; such as think – know – believe – suppose – expect – hope to express beliefs, convictions, hope, expectations, knowledge and opinions about the future.

Examples

I think Brazil will win.

I don’t suppose she will be promoted now


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


USE

1.1. We often use this tense with We often use this tense with particular verbs;particular verbs; such such as as think – know – believe – suppose – expect – hope think – know – believe – suppose – expect – hope to to express beliefs, convictions, hope, expectations, express beliefs, convictions, hope, expectations, knowledge and opinions about the futureknowledge and opinions about the future.

2. We often use it with particular adverbs such as: probably – possibly –perhaps to express uncertainty about the future. Examples

He will probably ask the general manager.

This matter will probably not be raised before the commission’s first meeting


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


USE

1.1. We often use this tense with We often use this tense with particular verbs;particular verbs; such such as as think – know – believe – suppose – expect – hope think – know – believe – suppose – expect – hope to to express beliefs, convictions, hope, expectations, express beliefs, convictions, hope, expectations, knowledge and opinions about the future.knowledge and opinions about the future.

2.2. We often use it with We often use it with particular adverbsparticular adverbs such as: such as: probably – possibly –perhaps probably – possibly –perhaps to express uncertainty to express uncertainty about the futureabout the future.

3. The simple present is used in conditional clauses and time clauses. The simple future is used in the main clause (not in the if-clause). Examples

He ‘ll help you if you ask him.I ‘ll tell him the news as soon as I see him.He ‘ll be arrested the moment he sets foot on Schengen soil.


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


FORM

This tense is formed with the present tense of the verb to be + going to + infinitive of the main verb.

Examples

I’ m going to watch this football match on TV tonight.

What are you going to do about this ?

She isn’t going to give this party next week


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


USE

1. We use this tense to talk about present intentions and plans for future actions.

Examples

I ‘m going to pass my exams next month.

I ‘m going to spend two weeks in Spain this summer.


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


USE

1.1. We use this tense to talk about We use this tense to talk about present intentions present intentions and plans for future actionsand plans for future actions.

2. We also use going to in order to express subjective certainty on the part of the speaker.

Examples

This boat is going to sink.

It’s going to rain, by the look


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


USE

1. We use this tense to indicate definite future arrangements, actions planned in the near future. We nearly always use a future time expression with it.

Examples

He ‘s starting his new job next Monday.

I’ m taking the 11 o’clock train to Berlin


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


USE

1.1. We use this tense We use this tense to indicateto indicate definite future definite future arrangements, actions planned in the near arrangements, actions planned in the near future.future. We nearly always use a future time expression We nearly always use a future time expression with it.with it.

Note: do not confuse intention ( to be + going to + verb) and arrangement (to be + present participle).

Examples

I’m going to stay in London. = intention

I’m going to London next weekend = arrangement


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


FORM

This tense is formed with the infinitive of the main verb. The negative and interrogative are formed with the present tense of to do + infinitive

Examples

The plane takes off at 7.30 local time.

The match begins at 14.00 hours.

You leave from Kennedy airport at noon, and arrive in Paris at 15.00 hours GMT.


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


USE

We use this tense to talk about planned future actions. We usually use it to describe travel plans, time tables, departures, arrivals.

Examples

The bus leaves at 15.30.

The reception starts at 19.00 hours.

The ferry leaves Dover at 12.30 tomorrow and we arrive at Calais at 13.15.


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


FORM

This tense is formed with the future simple of to be + present participle of the main verb.

Examples

We’ ll be flying to Rome this time next week.

What will you be doing this time next week?

They won’t be sitting in the classroom at 6 o’clock tomorrow.


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


USE

We use this tense for actions that will be in progress at a certain time in the future.

Examples

At 11.45 next Friday, I ‘ ll be doing my chemistry exam.

I’ ll be hiking through the States this time next year.


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


on the time diagram

This time next week I’ll be taking my driving test.


present simple

nowpast future

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


USE

1. The future continuous is also used to express long-term arrangements, especially for travelling.

Examples

The band will be travelling through Scandinavia at the end of the month. They will be giving three performances there.


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


USE

1.1. The future continuous is also used to express The future continuous is also used to express long-long-term arrangements,term arrangements, especially for travelling. especially for travelling.

2. The future continuous is also used to ask very polite questions about future activities. By using the future continuous tense, the speaker asking the questions shows that he does not want to influence the other person’s decision in any way at all.

Examples

Where will you be having dinner, Sir? (secretary to boss)

What will you be having, Madam? (waiter to customer)


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


USE

1.1. The future continuous is also used to express The future continuous is also used to express long-long-term arrangements,term arrangements, especially for travelling. especially for travelling.

2.2. The future continuous is also used to ask The future continuous is also used to ask very polite very polite questions about future activities. questions about future activities. By using the By using the future continuous tense, the speaker asking the future continuous tense, the speaker asking the questions shows that he does not want to influence the questions shows that he does not want to influence the other person’s decision in any way at all.other person’s decision in any way at all.

3. The future continuous is also used to make deductions about what is happening at the moment of speaking.

ExamplesHe will be working in his garden now. Otherwise, he would have heard the phone.She hasn’t begun making up the beds. She will still be doing the washing up.


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


FORM

This tense is formed with will + have + past participle of the main verb.

Examples

They ‘ll have finalized their business by noon.

Will they have copied all that material by Friday morning?

They won’t have organized this course by the end of this year.


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


USE

We use this tense to describe actions which we know will (or will not) be completed by a certain time in the future.

Examples

I ‘ll have finished this book by the end of the week.


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


on the time diagram

Examples

By the end of next week, I’ll have finished my exams.


present simple

nowpast future

end of next week

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


FORM

This tense is formed with the future perfect tense of to be + present participle of rthe main verb.

Examples

By the end of this year, we ‘ll have been experimenting with this polymer for more than three months.

How long will you have been living in that shack by the end of this year?

I won’t have been living here for more than five years by the end of this year.


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


USE

We use this tense to describe continuous and repeated actions which begin before a certain time in the future and will probably continue after that time.

Examples

By the end of this academic year, I’ll have been teaching for 30 years.


present simple

future simple

future continuous

future perfect


on the time diagram

Example

By the end of this academic year, I’ll have been teaching for 30 years.


present simple

past futurenow

end of this academic year

Tenses Summary

Education

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